Enantioselective Synthesis of anti-β-Hydroxy-α-amido Esters via Transfer Hydrogenation

The asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of alpha-amido-beta-keto esters to provide the corresponding anti-beta-hydroxy-alpha-amido esters in good to excellent yields, diastereoselectivity, and enantioselectivity is reported. The procedure is operationally simple, and delicate handling of the catalyst is not necessary.